[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6903-S6904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           UPCOMING BUSINESS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, even as we begin looking ahead to 
January and the 116th Congress, the reality is, we still have a series 
of important outstanding subjects to tackle between now and the end of 
the year. First on the list is legislation that will reauthorize 
funding for our Coast Guard and implement a number of important 
reforms.
  Our Nation calls on the Coast Guard to protect America's ports and to 
maintain shipping lanes to interdict illegal drugs before they reach 
the border and to risk their lives to save others in the midst of 
fierce storms and natural disasters. In each case, they embody their 
motto: ``Semper Paratus''--``Always Ready.''
  So in passing these measures this week, the Senate will be fulfilling 
an important promise to some of the brave men and women who have taken 
an oath to keep us safe.
  Aspects of this legislation are particularly important to States like 
my own State of Kentucky--the heart of our Nation's inland waterways 
system. For too long, vessel owners and barge operators have struggled 
under a complex system of overlapping and duplicative regulations. They 
make normal shipping functions needlessly difficult, including the 
incidental discharge of ballast water. A confusing web of rules from 
States, the Coast Guard, and the EPA leave owners and operators to face 
constant uncertainty and lead to higher costs.
  The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, or VIDA, replaces the existing 
system with a uniform, cost-effective, and national standard enforced 
by the Coast Guard.
  For the 13,000 Kentuckians whose jobs depend on our State's inland 
waterways, this provision can help cut costs, promote efficiency, and 
protect our natural waters. For the countless farmers, miners, and 
manufacturers who depend on these waters to get their goods to market, 
VIDA ends the headache and delivers relief.
  VIDA passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee on a voice vote. In 
fact, it has been reported out of committee numerous times in recent 
years, including when our Democratic colleagues were in the majority. 
So it is time to pass this bipartisan bill; it is time to help the 
Coast Guard continue its important work; and it is time to deliver much 
needed predictability to the mariners who rely on it. I urge

[[Page S6904]]

every one of our colleagues to join me in voting to advance it later 
this afternoon.
  After that legislation, we will turn to another qualified nominee, 
Michelle Bowman, to serve as a member of the Board of Governors for the 
Federal Reserve. Ms. Bowman currently serves as a banking commissioner 
for the State of Kansas. I look forward to confirming her this week as 
well.

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